Title: "Ken Burns' 'The American Revolution' Set to Air on PBS in November"
Introducing "The American Revolution" - a captivating, six-part documentary series from Ken Burns, set to premiere on PBS on November 16, 2025. Spanning eight years and six consecutive nights, this limited series delves into the country's founding and the brutal, eight-year War for Independence.
The story of America's birth is fraught with intrigue. As thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, they challenged traditional norms, shattering the status quo and establishing a new governance that would irrevocably alter the continent and inspire centuries of democratic movements world-wide [1][3][4].
"The American Revolution has been shrouded in myth, preventing us from seeing the real picture," Ken Burns commented. The conflict was "devastating and inspiring" - a bloody civil war that tore families and communities apart, disrupted native nations, and wrestled with the complexities of slavery, while simultaneously espousing the noblest human aspirations [1][3][4].
An expansive and unflinching examination of the war, its virtues, and contradictions, "The American Revolution" touches upon the lives of numerous figures from diverse backgrounds, from the well-known to the unsung. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the series whose every word breathes life into nearly 200 historic figures, featuring the first-person voices of these personalities through actors like Adam Arkin, Kenneth Branagh, and Meryl Streep [1][3][4].
Described as a revelatory exploration of the war and the birth of the United States, "The American Revolution" offers an intimate and unforgettable look at the people, their everyday struggles, and their unwavering hopes, fears, and failings [1][3][4].
"Our film tells the remarkable story of the individuals that lived through the American Revolution," said Sarah Botstein, executive producer. "It's a surprising and profoundly relevant tale that offers crucial insights into our nation's history and identity" [1][3].
David Schmidt, co-director, added, "The Revolution was a period of immense uncertainty, hope, and terror. A brutal war that involved millions of people, leaving a trail of unprecedented loss in its wake. Yet, the Revolution also changed how Americans saw themselves, their government, and their potential as a nation. The United States that emerged was an unexpected and powerful force in the world" [1][3].
"The American Revolution" is a production of Florentine Films and public broadcaster WETA [1].
[1] Enrichment Data: The documentary series, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, acts as a comprehensive exploration of America's founding, delving into the historical, cultural, and societal contexts through which the thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic coast rebelled and ultimately won their independence. The eight-year War for Independence serves as a lens for understanding the birth of the United States along the way. Incorporating unique perspectives on key figures and events, the series brings America's creation to life, and presents a critical examination of its ultimate impact on the world.
The highly anticipated six-part series, "The American Revolution," directed by Ken Burns, will premiere on PBS in 2025, featuring renowned actors like Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks lending their voices to various characters [1]. Morgan Freeman and Peter Coyote are also part of the star-studded cast, adding depth and authenticity to the narration [1]. The series, produced by Florentine Films and WETA, promises to provide an unbiased view of the American Revolution, with episodes focusing on key figures, their struggles, and the societal changes that followed [1].
